Gay marriage cases from 4 states go before judges

BY AMANDA LEE MYERS AND BRETT BARROUQUERE

ASSOCIATED PRESS

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Two federal appeals court judges have made it clear they're on opposite sides of the same-sex marriage debate while a third has given fewer hints.

The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals presided over a hearing Wednesday on gay marriage bans in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, but did not indicate when it would rule.

Judge Martha Craig Daughtrey's comments and questions displayed bewilderment at arguments for upholding the laws while Judge Deborah L. Cook several times stepped in to make the point for the states' more clearly than their attorneys. The third judge, Jeffrey S. Sutton, showed skepticism as gay couples pushed for their marriages to be recognized.

If the 6th Circuit decides against gay marriage, it would put pressure on the U.S. Supreme Court to settle the issue.

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